What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

The chemical equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as follows:

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

This equation represents the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. Here’s a breakdown of the components:

• 6 CO₂: This is carbon dioxide, a gas that plants absorb from the atmosphere.
• 6 H₂O: This is water, which plants take in through their roots.
• C₆H₁₂O₆: This is glucose, a simple sugar that serves as an energy source for the plant.
• 6 O₂: This is oxygen, a byproduct that is released into the atmosphere.

Overall, this process is vital for life on Earth, as it provides the oxygen we breathe and is the foundation for the food web, originating with the energy captured from sunlight by plants.